Awards
On December 20, 1944, my father received the following campaign ribbons, and seven battle stars earned while serving on the Helena. On March 11, 1945, the Helena and her crew received the first navy unit citation ever awarded. He also received awards and three battle stars for his service on the USS Houston.
The Navy Combat Ribbon is a United States Navy, military decoration awarded to those U.S. Sea service members who have actively participated surface combat.
The American Campaign Medal is a military award to recognize those military members who had performed military service in the American Theater of Operations during World War II.
The USS Helena was the first ship to receive the Navy Unit Commendation. This was due to her actions in the Battle of Cape Esperance, Battle of Guadalcanal, and the Battle of Kula Gulf.
The Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal is a United States military award of the Second World War, which was awarded to any member of the United States Armed Forces who served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945. The Helena also earned the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal with seven battle stars. these were for action at:
PEARL HARBOR on 7 December 1941 (My father did not participate in this action)
BATTLE OF CAPE ESPERANCE on 11–12 October 1942
CAPTURE AND DEFENSE OF GUADACANAL on 4–12 November 1942 and 5 January 1943
BATTLE OF GUADALCANAL (Third Savo) on 12–15 November 1942
ANTI-SUBMARINE ASSESSMENT on 11 February 1943
CONSOLIDATION OF SOLOMON ISLANDS on 12–13 May 1943
NEW GEORGIA GROUP OPERATION: 4–5 July 1943
KULA GULF ACTION on 5–6 July 1943
World War II Victory Medal was awarded to any member of the United States military, who served on active duty, between 7 December 1941 and 31 December 1946.
Navy Good Conduct Medal
Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation was awarded in the name of the President of the Republic of the Philippines to service men for extraordinary meritorious service during World War II.
Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation was awarded in the name of the President of the Republic of the Philippines to service men for extraordinary meritorious service during World War II.
